Episode 168: How to Fix a Broken Fleet in 6 Months: Secrets from Fleet Whisperer Steve Saltzgiver
"If you have no asset availability, you’ve got nothing." – Steve Saltzgiver
In this insightful episode of The Fleet Success Show, host Marc Canton sits down with the legendary Steve Saltzgiver—RTA’s "Fleet Whisperer"—to uncover the secrets behind his ability to turn around struggling fleets in record time. With over 40 years of experience spanning public and private fleet management—including stints at Coca-Cola, Republic Services, and state government—Steve shares a structured, no-nonsense approach to diagnosing fleet failures, prioritizing critical issues, and implementing high-impact changes that drive real results.
From identifying key metrics and leveraging leading indicators to managing people effectively and making data-driven decisions, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for fleet professionals looking to transform their operations. Whether you’re a new fleet manager or a seasoned pro, this conversation will give you a roadmap for fleet success.
Key Takeaways:
🚛 The First 30 Days Matter – Why listening to stakeholders and analyzing data is crucial before making changes.
📊 The Power of Metrics – Understanding leading vs. lagging indicators to predict and improve fleet performance.
👥 Fixing Culture & People Issues – Why most “bad apples” are actually a leadership problem—and how to turn them around.
⚙️ Right-Sizing & Parts Management – How to increase fleet availability while reducing costs.
🏆 Sustaining Success – The secret to ensuring fleet improvements last long after leadership changes.
👥 Meet the Experts:
🔹 Marc Canton – Fleet strategy expert with nearly 30 years of industry experience specializing in fleet analytics and operational efficiency.
🔹 Steve Saltzgiver – A fleet industry Hall of Famer with experience in government and private sector fleets, known for his ability to transform underperforming fleet operations.
PODCAST HOT TAKES:
The Fleet Whisperer’s Winning Strategy: Never Accept Defeat
The Worst Fleet Horror Story You’ve Ever Heard
Fleet Managers: Focus on THIS and Win
You Can’t Be a Leader If You Don’t Give a Damn About People